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The Best Online Creative Writing Courses: 12 Things to Look For

Sean Glatch  |  April 11, 2024  |  Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the best online creative writing courses? You may have found some promising classes online, but you may also be unsure if the course is actually good. How can you know you’ll benefit from the course without spending your money first?

The good news is, there are creative writing courses out there for everyone, and they’re sure to improve your writing. Even better news, the best online creative writing courses share many of the same qualities.

If you want to learn how to write creatively, or if you simply want to improve your everyday writing, the best online creative writing courses can transform your writing abilities. Let’s explore what you might learn in creative writing classes, and how they help writers of all skill levels.

The Best Online Creative Writing Courses: Contents

What do you do in a creative writing class?

• Reputable Instructor
• Clear Course Description
• Promise of a Great Experience
• Constructive Feedback
• Focus on Craft
• Respect Your Creative Autonomy
• A Writing Community
• Motivate You to Write
• Jumpstart a Writing Habit
• Broaden Your Literary Horizons
• Offer a Healthy Creative Outlet
• Give You Next Steps

How to Make the Most of Online Creative Writing Courses

Every online creative writing class is unique, and different courses emphasize different things. We have classes that are entirely generative, meaning the focus is on writing new poems, essays, stories, or making headway into a novel or memoir project. Other courses might have more of a workshop component, in which you share your work with the class and receive feedback on how to improve your writing.

Some online writing courses also focus on specific skills or types of writing. You might take a class focused entirely on learning the tools for revision, or on learning the elements of fiction writing so you can later employ them in a story or novel.

In short, the best online writing courses typically include the following:

• Lectures and discussions on a topic of creative writing craft.
• Assignments that help you generate new work or revise old work.
• Opportunities to give and receive feedback with your fellow classmates.
• Feedback on your work from the instructor, who themselves is a successfully published author of the type of writing you’re producing.
• A weekly video call. Some courses, including ours, are entirely text-based and asynchronous, but many classes meet at least once a week on Zoom.

In addition to all of this, you will make new friends and connections in the best online creative writing classes. Writing is often a lonely experience for writers, and the bonds you make in creative writing workshops can last a lifetime.

12 Things to Look For In the Best Online Creative Writing Courses

The best online creative writing courses will sharpen your writing skills, help you find your confidence, and introduce you to new communities of writers. How do they do it? Here’s 12 things to look for to make sure you’re spending your money on the right online writing class. 

1. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Have a Reputable Instructor

Your course is only as good as the instructor who teaches it. For online writing classes to teach you the craft, they need to have reputable, trustworthy instructors. A great instructor will also be empathetic, community-oriented, adaptive to your writing needs, and a great writer themselves.

A great instructor will also be empathetic, community-oriented, adaptive to your writing needs, and a great writer themselves.

Do some research on the course instructor: they should have a terminal degree in their field (M.A., M.F.A., Ph.D., etc.), as well as a significant publication history. A reputable instructor will make all the difference in your course: as part of their education, the instructor should have undergone dozens of writing workshops, submitted to countless literary journals, and had their work scrutinized by critics and book lovers alike.

In order for an instructor to help you develop your creative writing skills, they need to be successful on their own. The best instructors are what make the best online creative writing courses.

2. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Have a Clear Course Description

What does the course teach you, and what will you learn week by week? In addition to listing a reputable instructor, the course description should tell you exactly what you’ll gain from taking the course.

In addition to listing a reputable instructor, the course description should tell you exactly what you’ll gain from taking the course.

Be sure you know exactly what you’re getting out of your online creative writing course, including what you might learn and write in the process. Consider what will help you the most as you embark on your writing journey: entering a course with certain goals or learning objectives will help you make the most of the course’s lectures and writing assignments.

There should be no ambiguity: if you’re paying for the course, you deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for. And, if you have questions, ask the program administrator before you enroll. They should be happy to hear from you!

3. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Promise a Great Experience

The best online creative writing courses prioritize one thing: YOU! Your learning, your goals, and your writing should be at the center of your experience. And, your course should guarantee that experience.

The best online creative writing courses prioritize your learning, your goals, and your writing.

Creative writing classes can be a risk, since they probably won’t confer university credit and you probably haven’t interacted with that instructor before. You want to be confident that your learning is guaranteed, otherwise you’ll only waste your time, money, and creativity.

Before you enroll in an online writing course, look to see if the program administrators have a student promise . Your experience in the course should be the number one priority of the instructor and administrators; otherwise, you’re better off looking elsewhere for the best online creative writing courses.

4. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Offer Constructive Feedback

In addition to useful lectures and assignments, creative writing courses give you access to helpful, instructional feedback. Most instructors hold Masters or Doctoral degrees in English or creative writing and, as a result, they have ample knowledge of what works in literature, as well as tons of experience in giving feedback.

Creative writing courses give you access to helpful, instructional feedback.

In the best online creative writing classes, an instructor will both inspire you to write and guide you towards being a better writer. Their feedback will cover the many aspects of great writing. For example, your instructor might comment on:

• Unclear language
• Ideas that need to be expanded
• Sentences that are too wordy or passive
• Opportunities to use more engaging vocabulary
• Places to improve writing structure
• Grammar and spelling corrections

Finally, an instructor will tell you what you are already doing well in your writing. When you write a really great metaphor , use interesting word choice, or find a moment of great insight, your instructor will tell you—highlighting the creative writing skills you have already mastered.

5. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Focus on Craft

You might be wondering how creative writing classes are different from high school English. The big difference is that, where a typical English class focuses on basic grammar and literacy skills, creative writing classes focus specifically on craft.

Creative writing classes focus specifically on craft: the elements of language and storytelling that make a work of prose or poetry successful.

What is creative writing craft? Craft involves the elements of language and storytelling that make a work of prose or poetry successful. Focusing on craft is how creative writing classes primarily improve your writing.

Your writing class might focus on the structure of a short story, the different types of literary devices , the importance of effective word choice , or the elements of storytelling . A writing class should break down successful works of literature into the components that make it work, giving you the tools to practice your own creative writing skills.

Additionally, craft-focused writing helps you with everyday writing. From improving your vocabulary to structuring an email, the creative writing practice translates to improved writing in every aspect of your life.

6. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Respect Your Creative Autonomy

One of the benefits of creative writing classes is the perspective you get from different writers. No two writers are working on the same projects, and in your course, you’re likely to work with students of different genres and writing styles.

your creative authority should be respected no matter how new you are to creative writing.

With so many different writing philosophies in one class, the new ideas you encounter can help strengthen your own writing. But in the worst-case scenario, a student or instructor might try to force their writing philosophy onto you. This is always unfair, as there is no one-size-fits-all writing advice, your creative authority should be respected no matter how new you are to creative writing .

For example, let’s say you’re writing a poem about your childhood cat, and the instructor thinks it should be a poem about your experiences growing up. No matter how many times you explain you want this poem to be about your cat, the instructor keeps telling you to write more about your childhood. By ignoring your goals for the poem, the instructor is not respecting your creative autonomy, because they think they know your writing needs better than you do.

No matter where you are in your writing journey, you are a writer, and you deserve respect and compassion as such. Every writer is on a constant journey of growth and discovery; your instructor and course should acknowledge and respect that. In your course, you will encounter many different ideas, but you should also encounter the freedom to accept or reject those ideas. It’s your writing: you get the final say!

7. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Foster a Writing Community

A creative writing course fosters a creative writing community . This community gives you the motivation to create, as it creates a safe environment to experiment, take risks, and grow in your writing practice.

A writing community gives you the motivation to create, as it creates a safe environment to experiment, take risks, and grow in your writing practice.

For even the most solitary of writers, writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Participating in a community of word enthusiasts can jog your creativity and give you useful feedback on your work. Additionally, the feedback you provide other writers in the community also helps you learn. It’s a self-fulfilling, self-sustaining process, where members of a writing group can continuously grow, improve, and fine-tune their love of the craft.

In fact, well-known authors throughout history have been a part of valuable writing communities, such as The Beat Poets, Stratford-on-Odeon, and other famous writing groups .

When you enroll in creative writing classes, you also take part in a writing community. Foster relationships, make new writing friends, and forge your own writing group—it may one day be famous, too!

8. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Motivate You to Write

Writing is a skill that you can only develop through practice. For anyone just starting on our writing journeys, the best online creative writing classes keep you motivated and accountable.

The best online creative writing classes keep you motivated and accountable.

Every instructor works differently, but you can expect the following in a creative writing class:

• Creative writing prompts
• Daily journaling assignments
• Helpful revisions
• Inspirational readings
• Ideas to combat writer’s block
• Different opinions on how to write creatively

Some courses are even designed to motivate you, such as our course Write Your Novel! The Workshop With Jack . Sometimes, the biggest struggle is simply to begin, and creative writing courses help you do that.

9. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Jumpstart a Writing Habit

The best online creative writing courses will get you into a writing habit. By combining lectures with thought-provoking assignments, one of the primary goals of a writing course is simply to get you writing.

You’ll gain the most from your creative writing courses if you block out the time to write every day.

To make the most of your creative writing classes, try to find time to write every day. It’s best to write at the same time every day, but if your schedule doesn’t allow this, sneak time where you can.

Here are some ways you can steal time as a writer:

• Journal for 15 minutes before you go to bed.
• Write while you wake up with your morning breakfast or coffee.
• Keep a journal on your phone during work and lunch breaks.
• Write on your commute to and from work. If you’re driving, consider keeping an audio journal, where you write by speaking into your phone’s recording device.
• Write on your phone while running on the treadmill.
• Put pen to paper while taking a bath.

These ideas won’t work for everyone, and it all depends on your schedule and lifestyle. Nonetheless, you’ll gain the most from your creative writing courses if you block out the time to write every day, no matter how brief that time is. And, your course should help you find the time to write!

10. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Broaden Your Literary Horizons

You need to read great writing to produce great writing. The best online creative writing courses will introduce you to great literature, giving you additional opportunities to explore the writing craft.

The best online creative writing courses will introduce you to great literature, giving you additional opportunities to explore the writing craft.

In creative writing classes, you might read both classic and contemporary literature. As writers, it’s good to have knowledge of both worlds. Classic literature introduces you to the bedrock of modern writing, including the devices and rhetorical strategies that make for effective poetry and prose.

Contemporary literature, on the other hand, gives you a glimpse into today’s literary zeitgeist. It’s important to understand today’s publishing landscape and the type of work that’s being published, even if you don’t intend to write like contemporary authors.

In fact, it’s better if you don’t try to write like anyone else! Reading other writers shows you what works in literature and what doesn’t, giving you opportunities to experiment with form and style. But, at the end of the day, your writing is for you, not for publishers or particular writing schools.

Use your creative writing classes as opportunities to explore literature, experiment with words, and discover what you’d like to write yourself.

11. The Best Online Creative Writing Classes Offer a Healthy Creative Outlet

Creative writing classes offer a healthy outlet for your creativity and emotions.

A healthy writing space can supplement your emotional health and wellbeing.

How is that so? With a space to put thoughts to paper, many writers inevitably reach breakthroughs about their own feelings and experiences. This is true regardless of whether you write poetry, fiction, plays, articles, or creative nonfiction.

Now, even the best online creative writing courses can’t replace the benefits of therapy. But, a healthy writing space can certainly supplement your emotional health and wellbeing. Between the prompts, community, and writing habits that a creative writing class fosters, you’re sure to come away from your course with renewed emotional health.

12. The Best Online Creative Writing Courses Give You Next Steps

Your education doesn’t end at the end of your course. If anything, the best online creative writing courses are only the beginning of your writing journey!

The best online creative writing courses are only the beginning of your writing journey!

The best online creative writing courses give you opportunities for continuous growth. Those opportunities can take many forms, such as: a list of literary journals to submit to, further readings on a topic of interest, future creative writing classes, or even simply the instructor’s email.

If you’re ready to move on to the next level of your career, your instructor should provide you with next steps. And if you crave more learning, ask the instructor!

A creative writing course is much like life: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Being an active participant will teach you as much about creative writing as the instructor will, because engaging with language is how you grow as a writer. Actively working with suggestions and ideas, keeping a daily writing practice, and offering other students constructive feedback will all boost your creative writing skills.

A creative writing course is much like life: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.

Additionally, do your research before you enroll in the course, or you might end up taking a class that isn’t suited to your needs. Look up the instructor for the course, their teaching style and previous publications, and how much experience they have as a writing coach. If they don’t seem well suited towards your learning style, they might develop your creative writing skills, and they won’t be worth the cost.

Find the Best Online Creative Writing Courses at Writers.com!

Are you looking for a writing community? Are you ready to get writing? Check out some of the upcoming courses at Writers.com , the oldest creative writing school on the internet.

Sean Glatch

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Creative writing

This module takes a student-centred approach to creative writing, offering a range of strategies to help you develop as a writer. The emphasis is highly practical, with exercises and activities designed to ignite and sustain the writing impulse. The five-part module starts by showing ways to use your memory and experience in your writing and build a daily discipline for your work. This is followed by the demonstration and practice of the three most popular forms of writing – fiction, poetry and life writing (which includes autobiography, biography and travel writing). The concluding part aims to demystify the world of agents and publishers, teaching you how to revise and present your work to a professional standard.

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Study method, module cost, entry requirements, student reviews.

Fully enjoyed every moment. It has given me a better understanding of the creative process - structuring, editing, and how... Read more

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Explore our subjects and courses, what you will study.

This module is suitable for new writers, as well as for those with some experience who would like to develop their skills. It will help you to identify your strengths and interests as a writer by giving you the opportunity to write in a range of genres: fiction, poetry, and life writing. The emphasis is on finding your own direction and style through experiment, practice and constructive feedback. The module is designed not only for aspiring writers but for anyone with a strong interest in reading and writing who would like to deepen their understanding of the creative process.

The module is structured as follows: The introductory part, The Creative Process , focuses on developing a habit of writing. It examines a range of strategies to help you get started, including clustering, morning pages, and keeping a writer’s notebook, as well as discussions by writers about their own approaches and practices.

Part 2, Writing Fiction , explores the main aspects of narrative, including story structure and time; showing and telling; character and setting; point of view; and editing.

Part 3, Writing Poetry , introduces you to the basics of contemporary poetry, covering a variety of techniques for beginning poets. Topics include image and figurative language; the line in free verse; voice and diction; structure; rhyme and metre; the sonnet; and revising poems.

Part 4, Life Writing , looks at autobiography (or memoir), biography and travel writing. Some of the central issues raised by life writing are discussed, including the nature of memory and forgetting, the performance of the self, and the representation of others. Finding and researching subject matter and suitable forms are also explored.

The final part, Going Public , outlines the professional presentation of manuscripts and submissions to agents and editors, as well as finding outlets for publication.

At the core of the module is the module book Creative Writing: A Workbook with Readings: 2nd edition , which takes you week-by-week through the five parts. The emphasis is on practice through guided activities, supported by literary examples by a diverse range of authors, including prose extracts, stories, and poems illustrating particular methods or strategies. The online study material contains audios, videos, animations and other interactive exercises to enhance your learning, such as interviews with writers discussing their inspirations and techniques and discussions with publishing industry professionals. Online tutorials offer additional opportunities to receive guidance and support from tutors.

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You'll have a tutor to help you with the study material and to mark and comment on your written work. You can ask your tutor for advice and guidance both in online forums and by email or phone. Your tutor also offers general support as you progress through the module book, which is the principal guide to your learning.

Your tutor will use a blend of methods that will include moderated online discussion forums and a number of real-time online tutorials that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Recordings of these tutorials will be available if you can't attend.

Contact us  if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.

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Creative writing starts once a year – in October. This page describes the module that will start in October 2024. We expect it to start for the last time in October 2033.

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Course work includes:.

No prior experience of creative writing study is necessary. This is an OU level 2 module and builds on the OU level 1 modules  Discovering the arts and humanities (A111)  and Cultures (A112) or The arts past and present (AA100) and Voices, texts and material culture (A105) (the latter two now discontinued). These OU level 1 introductory modules develop skills such as logical thinking, clear expression, essay writing and the ability to select and interpret relevant materials.

If you have not studied at university level before, you are strongly advised to study at OU level 1 before progressing to OU level 2 study.

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You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

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You’ll also be provided with a printed copy of the module book Creative Writing: A Workbook with Readings: 2nd edition , which is the principal guide to your learning.

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You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.

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Online undergraduate-level course, creative writing: finding your voice.

Authored by Pat Pattison

Course Code: OLART-216

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3-credit tuition, non-credit tuition.

Creative Writing: Finding Your Voice is designed to help you write clearly and strongly in your own unique voice, bringing your full self to your writing process every time you write. This course will guide you through the first and most essential part of finding your writing voice: how to bring your senses and sense memories to the forefront and channel them into your writing. No one has ever seen the world from your perspective before, in the order, time, and context you’'ve experienced it. Your sense memories stimulate your readers’ imagination, forcing them to respond with their own sense memories, filling your words with their stuff.

• Make conscious and informed choices about point of view and tense
• Employ your senses effectively
• Create interesting and effective metaphor
• Make conscious and informed choices about sentence type and structure

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Lesson 1: Sense-Bound Writing—What Writing

• Getting Close to Your Senses
• Sense-Bound Writing
• Using All of Your Senses
• Sharpening the Way You See the World
• Keeping Your Writing Eyes Open

Lesson 2: Writing from Person—Who Writing

• Point of View
• Camera Angles
• Third-Person Narrative
• First-Person Narrative
• Direct Address
• Second-Person Narrative
• Writing from the Outside
• Writing from the Inside

Lesson 3: Writing from Time—When Writing

• Locating Your Characters in Time
• Use of Tense and Point of View
• Writing in Past Tense
• Writing Past Tense to Present Tense
• Writing Present Tense to Future Tense
• Writing in All Three Tenses

Lesson 4: Writing from Place—Where Writing

• Locating Characters in Space
• Combining Where and When
• Sentence Types
• Combining Point of View, Senses, and Place
• Combining Third-Person Narrative, Moving from Past to Present Tense, Senses, and Place
• Combining Second-Person Narrative, Moving from Present to Future Tense, Senses, and Place
• Combining Direct Address, Moving through Tenses, Senses, and Place

Lesson 5: Metaphor—Adjectives and Nouns

• Making Metaphors
• Expressed Identity
• Qualifying Metaphor
• Verbal Metaphor
• Adjective/Noun Collisions
• Combining Senses with Adjective/Noun Collisions
• Working from Adjectives to Nouns
• Working from Nouns to Adjectives

Lesson 6: Metaphor—Nouns and Verbs

• Working with Nouns and Verbs
• Noun/Verb Collisions
• Combining Senses with Noun/Verb Collisions
• Moving from Nouns to Verbs
• Moving from Verbs to Nouns

Lesson 7: Metaphor—Expressed Identity

• Noun/Noun Collisions
• Noun/Noun Collisions and the Senses
• Expressed Identity and the Senses
• Creating Provocative Collisions

Lesson 8: Metaphor—Linking Qualities

• Finding Metaphors in Deeper Detail
• Words in Families and Keys
• Linking Qualities and the Senses
• Linking Qualities and Expressed Identities
• Using one Metaphor Term to Describe the Other Metaphor Term

Lesson 9: Finding Linking Qualities

• Determining Essential Qualities
• Locating Linking Qualities
• Linking Qualities
• Finding Target Ideas

Lesson 10: Working Both Directions

• Reversing Metaphor Direction
• Working Both Directions with Target Ideas
• Exploring through the Lens of the Target Idea
• Working Both Directions

Lesson 11: Reversing Direction through Linking Qualities

• Reversing Direction through Linking Qualities
• Exploring Metaphors through Prompts
• Finding Prompts

Lesson 12: The Grand Finale

• Final Project: Sharing Your Voice

Requirements

Prerequisites and course-specific requirements .

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills English Proficiency Requirements All students enrolled in this course, must know English well enough to:

• Easily understand recorded videos and written class lessons
• Participate successfully in written and oral class discussions
• Read, write, and study without being hindered by language problems
• Possess intermediate or advanced grammar skills related to punctuation and verb conjugation

Textbook(s)

• Writing Better Lyrics: The Essential Guide to Powerful Songwriting (2nd Edition) by Pat Pattison (Writer's Digest Books, 2010)
• Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises for Finding Your Voice  by Pat Pattison, (Writer's Digest Books, 2012)

Student Deals After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course. 

• macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later
• Windows 10 or later
• Latest version of Google Chrome
• Zoom meeting software
• Speakers or headphones
• External or internal microphone
• Broadband Internet connection

Instructors

Pat Pattison is a professor at Berklee College of Music, where he teaches lyric writing and poetry. In addition to his four books, Songwriting Without Boundaries  (Penguin/Random House), Writing Better Lyrics, 2nd Edition (Penguin/Random House), The Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure (Hal Leonard), and The Essential Guide to Rhyming (Hal Leonard), Pat has developed several online courses for Berklee Online. He has written more than 50 articles for various blogs and magazines, including American Songwriter , and has chapters in both The Poetics of American Song Lyrics (University Press of Mississippi) and The Handbook on Creative Writing (Edinburgh University Press).

Mark Sholtez is an ARIA nominate and APRA award winning songwriter and recordings artist. He was the first Australian artist to record for the legendary Verve record label , and his career to date has included collaborations with multiple Grammy winning producer Tommy LiPuma (Barbra Streisand, George Benson, Miles Davis), Grammy Life Time Achievement recipient and noted veteran engineer Al Schmitt (Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson), and multiple Grammy winning producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchel, Herbie Hancock, Tracy Chapman).

Cassandra is a singer, educator, writer and performer based in Sydney, Australia. Having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Songwriting and Music Production, she currently lectures in the Music Department at JMC Academy Sydney as well as mentoring artists and teaching voice. Cassandra is the vocalist and co-songwriter for an indie folk duo, sagas, and is currently writing a book on vocal technique. 

Susan Cattaneo is one of Boston’s most respected singer-songwriters, blending rock and folk with a healthy dose of country. Susan won the CT Folk Festival and has been a finalist or winner at some of the country’s most prestigious songwriting and music contests including: Kerrville New Folk, Emerging Artist Falcon Ridge, the International Acoustic Music Awards, the Independent Music Awards and the USA Songwriting Competition. Her latest album The Hammer and The Heart charted #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and yielded a folk radio #1 single and top 10 album. In her 20 years teaching Songwriting at Berklee College of Music, Susan helped students work on over 15,000 songs in all musical genres and styles and mentored over 2,000 artists. She’s taught master clinics at the International Folk Conference and at regional Folk conferences (NERFA, SWRFA and SERFA). Her Songwriting Lessons has been featured in a series in American Songwriter and Guitar Magazine and her lyric writing has been featured in Pat Pattison’s award-winning books Writing Better Lyrics and Writing Beyond Boundaries.

What's Next?

When taken for credit, Creative Writing: Finding Your Voice can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:

Related Certificate Programs

• General Music Studies Professional Certificate
• General Music Studies Advanced Professional Certificate

Related Degree Majors

• Bachelor's Degree in Music Production
• Bachelor's Degree in Music Business
• Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition for Film, TV, and Games
• Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Music Studies (Create Your Own Major)
• Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Music Production and Sound Design
• (Pre-Degree) Undeclared Option
• Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting
• Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance
• Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting and Producing Music

Related Music Career Roles

Employers look for skills learned in this course, when hiring for the following music career roles:

Digital Content Producer

Music Journalist

Proofreader

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at [email protected] .

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Creative writing creativity & arts.

Have you always wanted to write, but never quite had the time or courage to start? Perhaps you already write, but want to develop your skills? Our Creative Writing online course will improve your technique and boost your confidence.

If you’re looking for a Creative Writing online course that’s broad and far-reaching, then this course will test your existing skills and challenge you to take your writing in new, creative directions.

From novels, play-writing and poetry, to short stories, non-fiction and autobiographies, you’ll cover a myriad of genres. With the support of an expert tutor, you’ll develop your knowledge of different mediums and techniques, as  you put theory into practice through a series of creative writing assignments.

Enrol today and work at your own pace to discover your writing strengths, a creative path and how to help others improve their work as you gain more experience and enjoy lots of creative writing practice!

Why study Creative Writing?

Our Creative Writing online course packs a vast amount of learning into its ten topics. You’ll gain a sound understanding of creative writing, across a broad range of themes, including play-writing, novels, short stories, younger readers and non-fiction.

You’ll complete 11 tutor-marked assignments to evaluate your progress. Throughout each topic, you’ll have 24/7, flexible access to high quality online resources, written by experts and designed to encourage you to explore and develop your own creative writing style.

Our Creative Writing online course is ideal if you:

• Have a passion for writing and want to develop your skills.
• Are looking for a broader course, covering a wider range of key techniques and genres
• Are starting out as a writer and want to explore the best way to approach your writing.
• Would like to study a subject that’s both pleasurable and enjoyable that fits around your other life commitments.
• Want to boost your confidence in writing and communicating your creative ideas.

Future opportunities

• Studying one of our Writing Short Stories or Writing for a Living courses or English Literature or English Language at GCSE, A level or degree level.
• Writing your own stories to pitch to media outlets, or to self publish.
• A wide range of rewarding career paths in areas such as journalism, publishing, editing and proofreading.

Course content

Unit 1: Autobiography

• Autobiographical writing
• Journals and letters

Unit 2: Short stories

• Developing an idea
• Preparing an outline
• Dialogue and viewpoints

Unit 3: Novels

• Reading before, during and after writing
• Looking at published novels
• Novels: what other writers say

Unit 4: Younger readers

• Remembering
• Starting a story
• Action writing
• Poetry for younger readers

Unit 5: Genre

• What genre means
• Gothic horror
• Science fiction
• Magical realism

Unit 6: Play writing

• Listening to people
• Choosing your subject
• Constructing plays

Unit 7: Poetry

• Observation
• Word pictures
• The sound of poetry

Unit 8: Non-fiction

• Types of non-fiction writing
• Travel writing

Unit 9: Articles

• Types and style of article
• Finding and recording the facts
• Interviewing
• Going public

Unit 10: Reviews

• Being a critic
• Book reviews
• Getting your enthusiasm across
• Points of view
• Consumer reviews

Study Creative Writing with us and benefit from:

• Flexible learning
• Support from a personal tutor by email, phone or Skype
• Any time enrolment
• Assignments with tutor feedback
• Ongoing support from Student Support
• Forums to discuss your course with other students

Choose when and where you access your course, using learn@nec our 24/7 learning platform.

This easy-to-use learning platform includes interactive checkpoints, quizzes and activities to help you evaluate your progress.

You’ll have access to support from a personal tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience of supporting online learners.

Meet Ann who is just one of our first-class Creative Writing tutors:

“Creative writing has excited me for as many years as I can remember. I studied creative writing with the Open University. I have had flash fiction and short stories published. I subscribe to many writing magazines and follow a wide range of authors online. I have always been an avid reader and book group member. I attend Cambridge and Hay Literary Festivals every year and in addition to bestselling authors, I listen to debut authors, cover designers and e-publishers who keep me up-to-date with information to support my learners’ development as writers.”

What you need to know

• Online learning with support from a personal tutor

Entry requirements

• A good level of basic English is required for this course
• An ability to read and write in English
• Complete at your own pace
• Approx. 60 study hours, plus time for completing assignments

Assignments

• 11 assignments
• No additional set texts required

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Our course fees are open and honest  to help you plan for any additional costs.

Your course fee includes:

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• Assignment marking
• NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
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• Time planner to help you plan your study timetable

Related blog posts

Top five writing tips

What’s the point in poetry?

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Certificate Live Online

• Certificate

Live Online course

live online

Limited places available

£945 ( Easy-pay plan available)

Approximately 3 months

Unleash your creativity and begin your journey as a writer. Our certificate course is designed for beginners, covering the fundamentals of creative writing across genres. Learn character creation, plot development, and delve into fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction.

Designed around five practical assignments, you will develop a writing routine and compile a portfolio to showcase your work, enabling you to start writing confidently and creatively!

As a Live Online student, you will attend tutor-led classes online taught by industry professionals. You will also have full access to the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including instructional videos, written content and assignments.

Our tutors provide all the support, knowledge and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your course and are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre.

This course can be completed in approximately 3 months*.

*Completion time is based on the approximate time it has taken past students to complete the course. Students have up to 36 months to complete the course.

Class Schedule

View the schedule for the evening classes and the weekend classes in Live Online .

The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.

Introduction to Creative Writing

In this module, you will explore the foundational elements of creative writing across various genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Learn how to build a compelling narrative structure, create memorable characters, effectively use different settings and atmospheres, and master various points of view to enhance your storytelling.

• Understanding different genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama
• Basics of narrative structure: beginning, middle, and end
• Character development: creating memorable characters
• Setting and atmosphere: using location to enhance storytelling
• Point of view: first person, third person, and omniscient

Writing Techniques

Sharpen your writing skills with techniques that bring your prose to life. This module covers how to 'show, not tell' to improve descriptive writing, craft realistic dialogues, control pacing, and use flashbacks and foreshadowing. You'll also begin to develop your editing skills with practical self-editing techniques.

• Show, don’t tell: improving descriptive writing
• Dialogue basics: crafting realistic conversations
• Pacing your story: controlling speed and tension
• Using flashbacks and foreshadowing effectively
• Introduction to editing: self-editing techniques

Poetry and Creative Non-Fiction

Delve into the forms and functions of poetry, exploring structures from sonnets to free verse. Understand how imagery and symbolism enrich your poems. You’ll also learn to write compelling personal essays and memoirs, conduct research for non-fiction, and discover the pathways to publishing your work.

• Forms of poetry: sonnet, haiku, free verse, and others
• Imagery and symbolism in poetry
• Writing personal essays and memoirs
• Research for non-fiction: gathering and organising information
• Publishing poetry and creative non-fiction: avenues and tips

Short Stories

Focus on crafting engaging short stories by understanding essential story elements, developing plots, and creating suspense and drama. This module also covers themes, motifs, and the practicalities of getting your short stories published.

• Elements of a short story
• Themes and motifs: enriching your story
• Developing a plot for short stories
• Creating suspense and drama
• Markets for short stories: submission and publication

Fundamentals of Dramatic Writing

Explore the basics of playwriting and scriptwriting, from structuring a play to script formatting. Learn how to develop characters for the stage and screen and use dialogue and subtext effectively to engage audiences.

• Introduction to playwriting and scriptwriting
• Structure of a play: acts, scenes, and sequences
• Basics of script formatting
• Developing characters for stage and screen
• Dialogue and subtext in dramatic writing

All our tutors are creative writing professionals working in the industry.

Dane Cobain

Course Tutor

Philip Webb Gregg

I would certainly recommend the Post Grad Dip to friends or other students looking to gain a professional qualification, so many new skills to learn.

Mark Powell

Student - BAPH

The support I get from the student community and my tutor are essential. It isn't always easy and it's clearly demanding, but the whole experience is extraordinary

Daniel Oliver

This course has taken me on an amazing journey - there has been a lot of learning with tutors who have given constructive feedback to help with progression.

Tiffany Hayes

Between the forums online and our Facebook page I feel more connected with students and staff and I never feel silly asking my tutor even basic questions!

Sonya O'Donoghue

Student - PAI

The British Academy of Creative Writing

Our philosophy at the British Academy of Creative Writing is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.

Pursue your ambition - because the future is today!

Choosing the right course

We offer a range of creative writing courses to suit your goals.

Why not contact our experienced staff for advice, or browse to our other courses.

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Our experienced team can answer any questions you have about our courses, general enquiries and payment options. Simply complete this form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

The British Academy of Creative Writing is a leading provider of accredited, industry recognised creative writing qualifications in UK.

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Creative Writing Courses Online & in London

Learn from published authors in a relaxed and safe environment!

Fancy trying your hand at creative writing? Or are you looking to take your passion for writing to the next level? Find your inspiration to write at the college where Andrea Levy, Malorie Blackman, Anna Burns, and other celebrated authors studied.

Learn the art of creative writing from published writers in a range of courses designed to support and encourage your creativity. You'll explore your own potential, discover a range of literary forms and techniques, and develop your writing skills. Our courses will help you grow your confidence and passion for writing, while motivating you to achieve your personal goals.

Workshops available both online and in-person

To help you fit your studies around your busy life, you have the freedom to either learn online in the comfort of your own home, or in a classroom setting from our Central London location. Whatever your preference, you'll be able to meet fellow learners, interact, share, and learn in a way that motivates and inspires you. For more information about our live online courses, please see our  guide to online learning .

Choosing a level that's right for you – beginner to advanced level

Whether you're completely new to creative writing, have some previous experience, or you're writing at the professional level, we have courses that can support your needs. Our goal is to provide a supportive space in which you feel empowered to experiment, express your ideas, and challenge yourself to write creatively to a level that feels right for you.

Find your voice and nurture your creativity

On our courses, you'll receive guidance on how to give and receive constructive feedback on written work, and learn how to use that feedback to improve your writing. You'll share ideas and sharpen your critical thinking skills through close analysis of peer and published work, as well as growing your vocabulary, your communication skills, and your knowledge of the mechanics of writing.

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Creative Writing Level 3

They say everyone has a book in them. Find yours with our creative writing course!

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What you'll learn

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Are you a budding author? Knowing how to write well will make the difference between a publishing deal and a manuscript that ends up on the ‘rejected’ pile. And it’s not just aspiring writers who could benefit from studying creative writing; understanding how to express yourself in a thoughtful and engaging way is essential for a wide variety of professions in which communication is key, such as marketing, public relations, journalism , teaching, and more!

In this course, you’ll learn exactly what elements go into brilliant creative writing, exploring different types of texts and genres such as autobiographies, prose fiction, travel writing, and short stories. You’ll delve into narrative voice and perspective, and examine excerpts from classic texts such as ‘Cider with Rosie’ by Laurie Lee and ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ by Maya Angelou.

You’ll complete assignments which, with your tutor’s feedback, will hone and perfect your writing style, and round off the course by unleashing your creativity by composing your own extended piece of writing in a genre of your choice, which your tutor will extensively assess and critique. Want to get your book ready for the publishers? Your journey starts here!

Unit 1 - Basics of Creative Writing

In this unit, you’ll cover the definition of relevant words you’ll encounter throughout the course, as well as the main things you must consider before beginning any piece of creative writing. You’ll also examine the process of editing, proofreading, and how to avoid plagiarism.

Unit 2 - Reading for Writing

In the second unit, you’ll discover how to use a reading log to record your responses to various texts, and a notebook for writing down anything that might inspire you.

Unit 3 - Prose Non-fiction: Biography and Autobiography

Next, you’ll study the difference between biography and autobiography writing, and study a variety of text excerpts whilst asking key questions about each.

Unit 4 - Prose Non-fiction: Review

In unit four, you’ll cover the ‘review’ as a form of prose non-fiction. You’ll learn about the purpose of a review, and examine an example from The Guardian newspaper, studying the writer’s use of metaphors, abstract nouns, and other aspects of language choice. As a learning activity, you’ll find your own review, and compare it in content and style to The Guardian’s example.

Unit 5 - Prose Non-fiction: Travel Writing

Moving on, you’ll study travel writing, examining excerpts from two texts: ‘Notes from a Small Island’ by Bill Bryson, and ‘Full Circle’ by Michael Palin. As you do, you’ll make notes in your reading log, to prepare for this unit’s assignment – producing an extended piece of travel writing.

Unit 6 - Prose Fiction: Introduction

In the sixth unit, you’ll move on to fiction, examining narrative voice and structure, perspective, and plot. You’ll also study the ways in which settings, characters, and dialogue can be constructed effectively to tell a story, and consider sub-genres in prose fiction.

Unit 7 - Prose Fiction: The Short Story

Next, you’ll examine extracts from the classics ‘Stone Trees’ by Jane Gardam, and ‘The Train to Walthamstow’ by Patrick Wilmot, and consider ways in which you can generate ideas for your own short story before getting to work on a 750-1000 word piece

Unit 8 - Prose Fiction: The Novel

In unit eight, you’ll start to think of some of the most effective ways to begin a novel, before gaining some inspiration by reading excerpts from novels by authors Ian McEwan, Marina Lewycka, and Italo Calvino. In your assignment, you’ll construct the opening to your own novel, providing a clear structure and rationale for your content.

Unit 9 - Writing a Dramatic Script

This unit will provide an introduction to script-writing, and the basics you’ll need to create your own dramatic masterpiece. You’ll also examine an extract from Tennesse Williams’ ‘The Glass Menagerie’, to explore how the characters interact with one another, how the scene is set, and how the stage directions add to the narrative. For your assignment, you’ll create a script for a drama lasting at least two minutes.

Unit 10 - Extended Writing

Final Assignment: writing an extended piece.

Awarding Body

With a heritage stretching back over 150 years, NCFE is one of the largest awarding bodies in the UK. Over 340,000 students were awarded certification by NCFE last year.

NCFE Customised Qualifications are bespoke, unregulated qualifications developed to meet the specific needs of learners. These courses fit in where there are no other regulated qualifications are available. Meaning you can achieve recognition from a well-respected awarding body, even if there isn’t a pre-existing qualification in a certain subject area.

Course Outcome

At the end of this Creative Writing course, successful learners will be awarded a formal certificate of achievement and a Customised Qualification from NCFE.  You can read more about NCFE .

How is this course assessed or examined?

Each unit is followed by a written Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA), which is submitted and then marked by your tutor. You will not be required to take an external exam.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course; however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.

Delivery options

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From journalism and copywriting (both within a company setting or in a freelance capacity) to fiction and screenwriting, making a living as a writer is an attainable goal.

To reach a position where you’re paid to write, it’s helpful to have a diverse portfolio to showcase your ability. This could take the form of a personal blog that covers various topics in a range of structures.

Maybe you have a knack for getting to the juicy details of a news story, or perhaps there’s a screenplay in you that the world needs to know about. Either way, the more bows you can add to your quiver, the more employable you’ll look, which is where our online writing and journalism courses come in.

From  creative writing  to  freelance journalism,  we can help your writing leap off the page and onto the stage, screen, or printing press, whatever your goals and aspirations are.

Creative writing  is made out to be an effortless thing to do if you’ve got the talent, but there’s certainly a lot of practice that goes into writing a quality story that sells.

And once you’ve managed to complete a draft, the ability to  proofread  it yourself will save you a decent amount of money and ensure you keep full creative control.

When you enrol on a course with us, we make it our personal mission to help you succeed. You’ll have 24-hour access to our award-winning online learning platform so that you can study at a time, place and pace that suits you. You have complete control over your learning when you study with us.

But that doesn’t mean we’ll leave you to muddle through alone. You’ll be allocated an experienced personal tutor who will be on hand to help when you need it. Simply schedule a one-to-one and reap the benefits of their in-depth knowledge.

If you’ve found the perfect course, enrolling online is quick and easy. But if you’d like a little more help and advice, speak to one of our friendly learning advisers today! 😊

Whether you dream of being a hard-hitting news reporter or want to write features for glossy magazines, studying journalism will help you make this a reality.

Courses Taught by Experts

Education and childcare.

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Health care

For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher . To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award . I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts.  

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L 3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart ; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.   

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me . That’s why I bec a me a tutor . I love to see my student ’s confidence flourish as they progress through their course s . I t’s important to help them fit the ir learning goals around their personal commitment s so they have the best chance of success !  

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

Students frequently enrol on this course with...

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.

MA Creative Writing

Elevate your skills as a writer, course details.

online and part-time

Start dates

January, May and September

Next welcome week

September 2024 (date tbc)

Next course start date

Application deadline

Total course fee

Course overview

Develop an array of transferable skills on our MA Creative Writing course. Throughout your studies, we’ll encourage you to reflect on your own practice, explore the fundamental duty of the writer, and guide you in honing your creative identity.  

Unlike other courses, we place a special emphasis on the ethical and environmental aspects of creative writing. You’ll develop the unique ability to combine the art of storytelling with a deep commitment to environmental consciousness. As a graduate, you’ll stand out because you can harness your discipline to respond to the climate crisis and drive positive change in the world.  

By looking at a vast spectrum of literary genres and theoretical approaches, you’ll cultivate a holistic understanding of your craft. Coupled with a broad range of real-world insights into the contemporary publishing industry, you’ll be set to succeed as a published professional writer.   

Our course modules also highlight the importance of collaboration and constructive feedback in bringing creative ideas to life. On top of this, you’ll have unique opportunities to get involved with industry-specific events like the Writing the Earth symposium.   

As a graduate of Arts University Bournemouth, you’ll join a vibrant, thriving community with environmental ethics at its core. Armed with industry-ready skills and a global network, the opportunities you’ll have are boundless.  

Online MA Creative Writing course overview

Watch the course overview video to gain insight into who the course is for, what makes it stand out, what you will learn, and the advantages of studying online with AUB.

Click here to read the video transcript.

Course units

Our academics have designed this course to explore every facet of your craft. the breadth of theoretical and practical knowledge you acquire will help you position yourself in today’s literary publishing scene. through the common thread of a reflective journal, you’ll also document your own transformative journey., the writer as researcher (15 credits).

In this introductory unit, we’ll orient you with f oundational knowledge and appropriate research methods . You ’ ll be challenged to reframe your practice , charting your journey as a writer- researcher and proposing a research paper at a student-led Research Symposium . This starting point will give you a clear focus for the rest of the course .  

The Craft of the Writer (15 credits)

Together, we’ll deep-dive into all the practical elements of the writer’s craft – from notebook use and idea generation to drafting and exchanging feedback . You’ll also interrogate the concepts surrounding the lore of the writer – fro m ‘inspiration’ to ‘writer’s block ’. This will encourage you to break down your methodology and reflect on it intensively .  

The Writer in the World (15 credits)

In this unit we’ll take a wider view, looking at where the writer fits into the culture and societ y around them. This will involve considering their ethics, culture , activism, and public image . Y ou ’ll then develop a public-facing platform which articulates your emergent identity as a writer.  

Im/Possible Worlds (15 credits)

T ogether, we’ll explore a range of imaginative genres across the full spectrum, from the grittily realistic to the wildly fantastic (e.g., science fiction, weird, speculative, solarpunk ) . You’ll explore how these often-subversive stories challenge geo political le adersh ip and cultural norms, creating a space for intellectual growth and inclusive representation. With a profound understanding of these stories , you'll develop your own prose narrative sample .  

Writing in the Anthropocene (15 credits)

The Anthropocene is the current geological age, where human activity predominantly impact s the climate and environment. I n this module, we’ll explore how the climate crisis and the UN’s sustainability goals can be woven into your literary vision. Together with your cohort, you’ll look at both classic and contemporary works to see how they engage with these pressing issues.  

Publishing in the 21st Century (15 credits)

Through current trends, emergent forms, and new opportunities, we’ll examine what distinguishes a 21 st Century publication from literature that precedes it. With input from a variety of industry professionals – including agents, editors, publishers, book designers, and booksellers – you’ll learn about print and publishing culture from a multi-faceted perspective .  

Advanced Poetics (15 credits)

In this unit, we’ll explore the power of linguistic nuance, individual word choices, and layout choices . Through the lens of current trends, emergent forms, and both classical and contemporary poe ts , you’ll develop a deep understanding of the current poetry scene. We’ll also help you cultivate your communication skills in online open mics, sharing your poetry and critical feedback with fellow students.  

Transmedia Storytelling (15 credits)

With a focus on script-writing and emerging technologies, we’ll encourage you to think far b eyond traditional literary formats . We’ll consider screenplays, podcasts, audio drama, graphic novels, interactive fiction and role-playing games, to name just a few. You’ll also hear avant-garde perspectives from guest speakers at the forefront of contemporary practice.  

The Proposal (15 credits)

We’ll support you in developing a professional proposal for what will be not only your Major Project , but also a real-world industry submission. You’ll research available markets and emergent publishing trends to identify a focus. By the end of this unit, you’ll be capable of confidently pitching substantial creative ideas – an essential skill for flourishing in your future career .  

Major Project (45 credits)

This unit is the culmination of all the rigorous self-reflection, skills, and knowledge you've acquired throughout the course. You’ll produce a final written piece in a format of your choice (e.g., novel extract, short fiction, poetry, audio drama, stage script), accompanied by a critical reflective essay.  

Online MA Creative Writing Q&A

Watch event highlights from our latest Q&A for the Online MA Creative Writing.

Click here for the video transcript.

Your Course Leader

Dr Kevan Manwaring's research focuses on the ecological imaginary in fantasy and other creative forms. An academic consultant for BBC 4’s The Secret Life of Books, and a contributor to BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking, he has much experience as a spoken word performer, panellist, and guest speaker. He blogs as the Bardic Academic .  

"Dedicated writing time, quality professional guidance, and a constructively critical, supportive environment are some of the most valuable things a writer can give themselves."

Dr Kevan Manwaring | Course Leader, MA Creative Writing

Entry requirements

We encourage applications from students with a broad range of qualifications and we welcome students from all educational backgrounds. We’ll take into account the knowledge and skills that you have developed outside the classroom, as well as your previous qualifications.

There are two different routes to entry: the  standard   and  non-standard   routes. Admissions staff will assess entries to determine which route is appropriate for you when you apply.

Students accepted on the standard route are given offers based on qualifications and supporting documentation alone. If you do not have a qualification at the designated level or in a subject not directly related to the course to which you are applying, you’ll be contacted to request a portfolio , and/or given an interview date.

You'll usually have BA (Hons) Degree graded at 2.2 or above, or an equivalent UK or international qualification in creative writing or the following related subjects: english literature, english language, screenwriting, journalism, writing for games, business writing, or any humanities subject.

As an overseas applicant, you’ll need to validate your proficiency in English. We accept a range of English language qualifications: 

• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) grade C
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C
• Certificate of Attainment in English (London Board) level 5 or 6
• IELTS score of 6.0 or above with at least 5.5 in each band
• TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above with 19 in speaking, and 18 in listening, reading and writing
• Pearson PTE score of 64 and over, with a score of 59 in each component

IELTS, Pearson, and TOEFL scores must be less than two years old at the time the course commences to be valid. 

If you don’t have the standard academic qualifications, you could still be considered for entry if there’s sufficient evidence to indicate that you can fulfil the objectives of the course of study and achieve the standard of the final award. An example of this would be to showcase a portfolio of work as requested by the admissions team.

We also welcome applications from anyone with other qualifications or work experience that demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to study at postgraduate level.

Fees and funding

The fees that you pay AUB help provide the necessary services and training for you to complete your course. There are a number of different ways that you can pay for your tuition.

How to apply

Head to our online application form to apply directly to us. We encourage applications from students with a broad range of qualifications – we'll take into account the knowledge and skills that you've developed outside the classroom as well.

Meet your Industry Patron

Michelle Zeitlin

MA Creative Writing Industry Patron

We’re delighted to welcome Michelle as the patron of our course and have her help our students reach their full potential. Michelle's role involves:

• Being actively involved in ensuring that the programme is grounded in industry practice and sets students up for success
• Acting as a vital connection between the industry itself and the course
• Holding exclusive talks for students
• Helping students put their work on the map and contextualising projects

View profile

Careers and opportunities in Creative Writing

The versatile, distinctive skillset you acquire on this course will open up a wide variety of options for your future – in terms of both employment and further academic study. Projects such as the anthology submission will be viable for industry publishing, and through your final project, you’ll already have first-hand experience delivering an outstanding pitch.  

You’ll also benefit from guidance as part of the AUB Course Industry Patron scheme: a formal connection with a creative writing practitioner who offers unique collaborative opportunities and close relations within the industry. 

The project management, collaboration, market analysis and critical thinking skills you develop will increase your chances of employability as a writing professional – whether your goal is to be a freelance writer, in-house author, or publisher. On top of this, you’ll develop core soft skills surrounding resilience and flexibility that are highly sought-after in today’s fast-changing global economy.

Here are just a few of the options you could pursue as an MA Creative Writing graduate: 

You could also pursue opportunities in research, lecturing, lexicography, and communications.

Exploring Environmental Narratives through Creative Writing & Photography

Watch highlights from our 'Expressions of Earth: Exploring Environmental Narratives through Creative Writing & Photography' online event.

Join us in September 2024

Video transcripts.

Anyone who wishes to take their writing to the next level, committed beginners, those with some experience of writing maybe in a professional capacity, or those wanting a kind of like a shift in career or maybe a return to something they've neglected, like a creative aspect of their life after raising, you know, their family or, having a different kind of job or retiring and wanting to connect with that creative voice inside of them.

I believe what makes this particular MA stand out is its range of practical industry facing modules, that explore a range of genres and forms. It's addressing civic and environmental issues, within the publishing industry and in the wider world. So I think that kind of, like, multifaceted nature of it makes it interesting. It's engaged with real world issues and it's plugged into the industry and latest innovations within publishing.

So that kind of like the Venn diagram, I think is what makes it stand out, the kind of environmental focus, the civic focus, and the industry focus. But, you know, we want our students, to be future facing, adaptable, and resilient, in their writing practice, and this will serve them well for the rest of their writing career.

Well, they'll learn about the opportunities and challenges of postgraduate research. They'll learn what creative writing research is like at this level. They'll be interrogating their own practice, methodology, influences, examining every aspect of their writing, and pushed out of their comfort zone sometimes perhaps. I mean, they will always be taking the initiative with that, you know, onus of that through their self directed study. But, you know, we'll be gently nudging them out of their comfort zones, and really helping them to push their writing practice to the next level. We've got a whole range of really exciting cutting edge modules, looking at fantastic fiction, writing for the Anthropocene, environmental writing, publishing in the twenty first century, advanced poetics.

We've got a module on craft of the writer, the real nuts and bolts of being a writer and interrogating every aspect of the law of creative writing. There's so much law around creative writing, like the workshop, the writer's block, and so on, the muse. Are any of these these things real, or are they folklore?

So we'll be examining all of that. We'll be looking at what we call the writer in the world. So really public facing, civic engagement, you know, what can you do in your writing practice that will engage your communities of choice and make an impact real world impact. So a real range of courses, I think, give the students a rounded experience and really, substantial skill base to draw upon.

Well, greater flexibility and adaptability, with all the asynchronous materials, the lectures, resources, the forums. You can engage when it suits you, fitting into your busy schedule, a working week, caring commitments, and so on, other hobbies.

It's modular, and it's part time, so it fits around your life. And also, you know, you won't lose out on that human context, through the weekly online seminars and the tutorials, as well as the residential summer school, you'll have a chance to connect with your fellow students.

Q: What do you think makes the online Creative Writing MA with AUB really stand out?

I think for my module, the craft of the writer, I think it's just the attention to detail, and the focus on, you know, the tools and the strategies and the methods that may help you become a better writer. I assume that everybody who's signing up wants to end the course, with greater skills in writing and greater awareness of the things that they do, you know, their habits, their routines, and also a greater critical perspective on some of the things they're doing and and being able to delve into, some of the creative writing theory and the discourse and the debates around, certain approaches to craft. So I think that will help. Also, just hearing from a range of different perspectives from different module leaders to different tutors.

Some of it's more industry facing. Some of it's more about writing in the world, the community. I think that having that, that balance is important.

As students on the MA in creative writing, you are gonna be part of the graduate school. So we've got film, illustration, graphic design. All the other creative industries are represented here at AUB. You can be parts of that ecosystem, and that creates opportunities, collaborative opportunities.

So, yeah, that's gonna be one of the assets and aspects of this course is that you can be right from the outset part of this creative ecosystem which will then go out into industry when you might actually work with some of your fellow students out there in the real world.

Q: What credentials will I leave the course with?

Part of your biography is that you have advanced learning as a writer, and you've been to a university program or a conservatory, or you've worked with some incredible literary people, that's going to be impressive. At the end of the day, your CV or resume doesn't matter if the writing isn't good. So, yes, absolutely. I think it's very important to have a good background because it says you cared enough to work two years on a program.

On the other hand, how you present your material and if your material is good is ultimately the most important if you wanna sell it.

Q: Do you have any final tips for those considering applying?

Oh, certainly, I would suggest focus on a personal statement and a small selection of writing. Ten pages would be more than sufficient or a link to your website, your blog, to your author page, but the main thing is to show in the personal statement that you are, you know, up for learning, that you want to learn, that you want to do this particular course, what is it about this course that appeals to you, what skills you bring to this, what experience. The more life experience, the better. You might have all kinds of transferable skills from your professional life that you can bring to this. But mostly, I'm looking for enthusiasm and attitude.

Polished work is great, published work is great, but, you know, it's about being willing to change as a writer, to be challenged as a writer, and to change as a writer. I think that's got to be key. But just to show who you are, to give us a sense of you as a person, you know, talk about any relevant experience that you've had, why you want to learn at this time, why you want to go on this creative journey.

I think, you know, the world can be hubby. And so I think it's really wonderful to immerse yourself in, the craft, the experience of learning, and to have this opportunity with Outreach to such a tremendous, very, art palette of writing and opportunities. So I would immerse yourself students.

Related resources

Creative writing: rising to the challenge of climate change.

Dr. Kevan Manwaring, MA Creative Writing Course Leader, urges writers to rise to the challenge of...

Studying a master’s in Creative Writing: Is it right for me?

MA Creative Writing Course Leader Dr Kevan Manwaring answers some key questions about the creative...

How to write your creative personal statement  

Applying for a creative master's degree? Get top tips for making a successful application.

Start your creative journey here.

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Master's in Creative Writing Online MA Degree Program

Earn a Master's in Creative Writing

• $637/credit (36 credits)
• Inclusive creative writing community
• 24/7 online access – attend class at your convenience
• 100% online – no residency required
• 4 genre options for concentrations
• Complete in as few as 15 months, or at your own pace

Master's in Creative Writing Online Program Overview

Ignite your imagination and jump-start your professional writing career with a Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing online at Southern New Hampshire University. Learn to use the written word to effectively tell your story and share your ideas with the world. By studying literature and the way accomplished authors have perfected their art, you'll be prepared to enter a number of industries as a creative writer. 

This English and creative writing graduate program fosters your imagination and creativity with a perfect balance of critical analysis and craft, along with an emphasis on literary theory and the history of the English language. You also have the freedom to choose from 4 genre concentrations or to combine your choice of genre courses if, for example, you're interested in both fiction and screenwriting.

This specialized creative writing master's degree can help you develop an ability to communicate in any career path you choose to follow, including:

• Marketing and communications

If you've always dreamed of starting your own novel, writing a collection of poetry or developing your screenplay, you'll gain the foundation you need through this program.

At the end of the program, you'll either complete a creative thesis or submit a portfolio of creative writing, along with a retrospective essay.

.st0{fill:#21386D;} What You'll Learn

• Integrate form, language and literary works into writing style and voice
• Expand upon your own creative process
• Create original literary works of publishable quality
• Reflect on goals, process and ethos as a creative writer
• Use technology as a tool to stylize and promote creative work

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Concentration Options

You'll also have the option to master a specialized skill set with one of our 4 genre-focused concentrations .

Fiction Literature has long been a source of inspiration, both for readers and writers. In Southern New Hampshire University's online MA in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction degree, you can find your creative voice and tell your story. Your knowledge can grow beyond a basic understanding of plot building, narrative, voice and character as you push your creative boundaries. Hone your craft for the kind of fiction you've always dreamed of bringing to life through novels, short stories, children's literature and more. In this degree program, you'll have the opportunity to explore whichever genres in fiction pique your interest, from horror and sci-fi to fantasy, young adult, romance and more.  The art of storytelling has deep historical and societal roots, and it is critical to cross-cultural communication. In your MA in Creative Writing online degree program, you’ll study the work of published writers to help you develop your own creative writing skills. You’ll focus on why authors make specific creative decisions to develop a deeper understanding of fiction in all of its forms, all while writing your own works of fiction. If you decide to pursue this concentration, you'll take a capstone course designed around completing your thesis in your fiction genre of choice. At the culmination of your coursework, you’ll create your own manuscript and apply what you've learned about your own creative voice to your work. If you feel it's time to put pen to paper to tell a tale, this program is for you. "I chose the fiction concentration [because] I believe it will give me a wider range in skills and training that will make me more attractive as a writer," said student Joshua Yarbrough . "Great and imaginative storytelling is always needed, and by having this concentration, it will open doors and avenues in a wide range of projects." Career outlook: Whether you're looking to pen the next great fiction novel, or you'd like to specialize in short stories that capture the imagination for a period of time, this concentration can give you the tools you need to become successful in your field. The MA in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction can also lead to numerous career opportunities, as this program does more than just expose you to literature and help you develop new writing skills. You can apply the creative skills you gain to any profession, from scriptwriting to marketing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022. 1 Courses include: Fiction Fundamentals Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Other Popular Fiction Fiction Thesis Writing Fiction Thesis Completion Request Info Apply Now Nonfiction In the MA in English & Creative Writing with a concentration in Nonfiction degree, you'll learn how and why writers craft nonfiction narratives. These tools can help you develop factual material based on research and experiences of your own - or someone else's. The creative writing master's degree can help you gain insights into publishing, broadcasting and professional production while you explore your creative boundaries. At the culmination of the program, you'll develop your own professional-quality piece of nonfiction, one that takes you deep into subjects that matter to you and helps you develop the skills you need for great storytelling. MA English & Creative Writing nonfiction graduate Alec Biron '17 '21G particularly enjoyed the combined emphasis on creative writing and literature. "While the curriculum allowed me to select a unique genre of creative writing to develop my nonfiction thesis," he said, "it also allowed me to explore traditional forms of literature that I love, such as medieval British and feminist genres." Career outlook: Nonfiction is the art of telling real stories - ones that people can learn from, relate to and understand. It covers a wide range of styles and subjects, encompassing everything from personal essays, autobiographical writing and memoirs, to marketing, travel writing and magazine features. Given the many career paths you could take by adding a concentration in nonfiction writing to your degree, it's worth noting some potential career paths you could explore. During a time when remote work is on the rise, you could consider a career writing freelance nonfiction stories for traditional print magazines and digital publications. Or, if telling stories for brands excites you, you could work in advertising as a copywriter and see your words on websites, billboards, emails, commercials and other types of advertisements. "Employers have been impressed by not only my achievement of a master’s degree, but also by the publications I've subsequently written for following my education," said Biron. If you like finding ways to make factual yet complex topics more digestible, you may enjoy the role of technical writer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers earned a median annual salary of $79,960 in 2022. 1 Courses include: Non-Fiction Fundamentals Non-Fiction Thesis Writing Non-Fiction Thesis Completion Request Info Apply Now Poetry Develop the skills you need to convey your poetic vision with a MA in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Poetry . The poetry concentration within our online creative writing graduate program can take you to a new level of analysis, appreciation and understanding of this art form. Foster your love of verse with the inspiration, passion and creative peer collaboration that only SNHU's concentration in poetry can bring. This curriculum focuses your study of literature on a genre where every word and line counts. Here, you'll be able to use your imagination to create imagery that moves and inspires readers and writers alike. This creative writing graduate program challenges you to gain an appreciation for how the unique craft and vision of poetry is critical to learning to think, understand and communicate with the world at large. Throughout this online program, you’ll broaden your understanding of the art of poetry. You'll also dive deeper into structure, tone and rhythm while analyzing the work of renowned poets. Upon completion of the program, you’ll develop your own manuscript of poetry, one that allows you to expand on subjects you're passionate about. "I chose a poetry concentration because I am a poet at heart, and my career revolves heavily around creative writing, specifically poetry and accessible arts programming," said NaBeela Washington '21G . "I wanted to make sure that my studies preserved time to truly focus on poetry and developing my manuscript and network and connection to other authors." Career outlook: Whether it's getting your own poetry published or becoming the next great poet laureate that interests you, a career in poetry is sure to be one filled with passion for your work. You could work for nonprofits to promote local poetry in your area, or become the poetry curator for an array of journals, magazines and even bookstores. And the ability to write clever, concise and compelling copy is also a great fit for advertising and marketing positions. "Before SNHU, I hadn’t been published since middle school," said Washington. "And before completing the program, I would be invited to read my work at a Poetry Series in Takoma Park, MD; I would start a literary journal, Lucky Jefferson, and I would go on to be published several more times in publications like The Cincinnati Review and The Washington Writers’ Publishing House, even winning an award for my journal and building a network of more than 6,000 writers and artists." Her list of accomplishments doesn't stop there. "I’ve been invited to speak on panels about my work in the literary world as well as to help found a roundtable for Editors of Color," she said. "It's really nice realizing that I could accomplish my goals and that I believed in myself." Courses include: Poetry Fundamentals Poetry Thesis Writing Poetry Thesis Completion Request Info Apply Now Screenwriting We live in an increasingly visual society. The online Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Screenwriting program at Southern New Hampshire University is an advanced exploration of the world of film and video, from shorts and episodic serials to feature-length blockbusters and documentaries. This concentration is based on a comprehensive study of film, with a special focus on story structure, character development and creative writing. At the culmination of the degree program, you'll have developed your own screenplay that you can then share with others and put out into the world if you so choose. While an understanding and analysis of literature – whatever the genre – is at the core of this MA degree, the screenwriting concentration places a special emphasis on visual storytelling. Designed by experienced and distinguished faculty, this master’s in screenwriting program can give you a powerful understanding of how story, character, theme, action, visuals and dialogue intertwine to create an immersive experience. In this concentration, you'll also have the opportunity to work closely with peers and faculty to workshop your pieces, which can help push your creative work to new heights. Take it from José Roldan Jr. '17G who, with the support of his friends, family and his SNHU advisor, was able to enroll in the online MA in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Screenwriting program while balancing his full-time job and full-time performance schedule, along with additional acting gigs and auditions.  "That support just allowed me the strength to say, 'You know what? I can get this done. There are so many people who believe in me to do it, that I can get it done,'" Roldan said. "It wasn't easy, but it's possible. It's possible." Career outlook: Whether you dream of writing for the big screen one day or writing scripts at a regional level, in the screenwriting concentration you can hone your craft for television, commercials, news, feature films, short films and even video games. There are multiple ways you could use this degree in the media world, from adapting an existing work into a movie or writing your own script, to working closely with producers on funding and producing projects. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022, it also reports that producers and directors earned a median annual wage of $85,320 the same year. 1 Courses include: Screenwriting Fundamentals Fiction and Film Screenwriting Thesis Writing Screenwriting Thesis Completion Request Info Apply Now if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('322677cfabe042d9a55551dc7b079012')); Career Outlook

Whether it's telling your story or telling someone else's, your online master's in creative writing can equip you with detailed knowledge about the worlds of publishing, communications, copywriting and the role of the professional writer. As world markets continue to shift toward a demand for online education and digital media technology, the technical skills learned in this program should continue to be in demand for a long time. The enhanced writing and communication skills you'll develop can be applied to many professions, from publishing, print and film to journalism and marketing.

Read more about Jacob Powers in this Q&A.

"The major takeaway I have gotten from my classes is that there is a viable career in literature, creative writing, and English," said student Joshua Yarbrough . "I feel confident in having the necessary skills to either work for myself or an employer and the training I have received at SNHU has made it possible."

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4% – about as fast as average for all occupations –  through 2032. 1

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Salary

The BLS reports the median wage for writers and authors was $73,150 in 2022. 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

The master's in creative writing is also ideal if you're interested in pursuing your PhD or teaching at the collegiate level. Additionally, the MA in Creative Writing is also a great option for high school instructors or other educators who wish to level up their salaries, as well as those whose districts require a Master of Arts for sustained career growth.

"I believe there’s a nice balance here for the program — for students who wish to pursue publication, we offer the tools, resources and faculty to help guide them. For students who wish to advance in their current career, or learn creative writing skills but also strengthen other skills (like editing, proofreading, etc.), the program offers that, as well," Powers said.

SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of this program will result in endorsements or rank and salary increases for teachers and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state education licensure board prior to enrolling. SNHU provides additional information for education-related outcomes on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page.

Where Could You Work?

Graduates of the online master's in English and creative writing program will find that, according to the BLS¹, there is opportunity for employment in a variety of fields, including:

Self-Employment

Tech companies, public relations, start your journey toward an online english and creative writing degree, why snhu for your master's in creative writing flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy  allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. you could also earn college credit for previous work experience . respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.  recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: “most innovative” regional university honors from u.s. news & world report each year since 2015 a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth recognition as a 2017 digital learning innovator by the online learning consortium network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. 93.2% of online students would recommend snhu according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents. discover why snhu may be right for you . admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free application undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms . master's degree candidates must also submit a personal statement. students with an undergraduate gpa below 2.75 are eligible for provisional acceptance. how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete free graduate application submit undergraduate transcripts work with an admission counselor  to explore financial options  and walk through application process if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('e835202be13f4497bc29372de09b8f42')); get the skills you need.

Alec Biron '17 '21G

"The skills that I learned in nonfiction writing have helped me to build a career in freelance journalism and content writing."

Courses & Curriculum

The master's in creative writing online exposes you to powerful examples of writing and provides you with an outlet to refine your skills as a writer. SNHU is home to the New Hampshire Writer’s Project and is also a destination for nationally recognized writers who perform readings and participate in workshops and lectures. This can give you additional context and insight into the industry you'll eventually be joining. All of our courses were also created by subject matter experts in their field, many of whom are critically acclaimed writers themselves.

Not only are the courses created by experts, they're taught by them, too. Just ask student Joshua Yarbrough .

"I have worked with professors who are well versed and accomplished in their field," he said. "They have provided valuable feedback to me in terms of preparing for my next steps as a writer and educator."

If you're looking for a degree program with collaboration built in, look no further. The online MA in English and Creative Writing has an added emphasis on peer workshops for additional feedback. Each concentration requires students to take three workshops, so you'll have the chance to fine-tune your editing and proofreading skills both for your peers and for yourself.

You'll also be required to take one of two teaching courses, Seminar in Writing Instruction or Online Teaching Experience . This can give you a background for teaching creative writing or English composition, depending on which interests you more. As a whole, this degree program is highly customizable, allowing you to focus on what types of creative writing interest you most.

In addition to working on your writing craft, you'll take several literary courses that focus on analysis and reflection, while learning about the history of the publishing industry. This can give you the chance to sharpen your editing and professional communication skills, while also giving you the edge you need to advance your writing career.

Graduate Alec Biron '17 '21G agrees. "One course that stood out to me, in particular, was “The Editor”. This course was both writing and editing intensive, allowing us to review the work of our peers while optimizing our own narratives," he said. "The Editor went beyond simple proofreading, and taught me how to edit for structure, character development, syntax, language and tone."

You'll also have the choice of four literary genres:

• Screenwriting

Or, you can customize your program and study multiple genres.

What's more, there's plenty of opportunity to build your network and hone your craft outside of normal class time. Once enrolled, you'll have access to SNHUconnect, a community built exclusively for our online learners. With plenty of clubs and events at your disposal, you might find that the Creative Writing Review Club is right up your alley. Wrote a few poems and want a critique? Need an audience to run your plot ideas by? Here, you can share your nonfiction, fiction, poetry and screenplay works – and even seek peer revising if you desire.

Joan Garner

Joan Garner came from a family of activists. Now she’s earning her master’s in creative writing to write her family’s story.

“The classes that I am taking are helping me in writing the book by stretching my limitations as a writer,” she said.

Read Joan’s story.

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1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/OOH/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm (viewed Oct. 25, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm (viewed Oct. 25, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/OOH/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors.htm (viewed Oct. 25, 2023)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Home › University › A Level Requirements For Popular University Degrees (An A-Z) › A Level Requirements for Creative Writing

A Level Requirements for Creative Writing

• Published October 31, 2022

Table of Contents

Are you trying to figure our what a-levels to take for creative writing? There are so many combinations of A-Levels that it can be hard to know which one is right combo for you. 

And if you get it wrong, you might miss your dream university course.

That’s why we ensure that our creative writing summer course students have 1:1 personalised tutorials with world-renowned tutors. So they’ll have the best guidance in deciding their next steps in education. 

We’ve also done the research for you and have come up with the A-Level requirements of the best Creative Writing universities in the UK. Plus, we’ve given practical tips to help you become a better Creative Writer. 

Read on to find out more!

What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a form of writing that expresses emotions, feelings, and thoughts in an imaginative way. Types of creative writing include:

• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Television scripts
• Personal Essays
• Journals/Personal memoirs

It’s different from academic or technical writing, which requires one to stick to the facts without personal additions.

When writing stories, creative writers use the elements of creative writing, such as:

• Plot – series of events consisting of the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Setting – the time and place of the story
• Characters – the ones who experience the plot and the setting 
• Point of View – the lens through which the reader experiences the story
• Theme – the idea or message the author wants to relate to the reader

Creative writers use strong verbs and adjectives to describe their characters and settings. They also use figurative language such as metaphors and similes to appeal to the readers’ emotions and imagination. 

If you want to learn more about creative writing, check out our full what is creative writing guide. 

Why Study Creative Writing?

Because when you want to persuade or entertain by appealing to the readers’ thoughts and emotions, Creative Writing is a powerful medium. When was the last time you were moved to tears when reading a character’s tragedy in a novel? What song did you listen to recently that gave you strong nostalgia, bringing up memories of a time long gone? 

In Creative Writing, the author shares their human experience that the readers can relate to. You can move hearts and minds by sharing your experiences following Creative Writing principles. 

What are real-world examples that call upon you to exercise Creative Writing?

• During university applications, when you need to submit your personal statement
• Sharing what you’ve learned from a module in an essay format as part of academic assessments in the university
• Writing a letter to your family, friend, or loved one to greet them during important milestones
• Encouraging potential customers to avail of your products or services
• Making a cover letter to convince a company to recruit you as part of the team
• Composing a song to woo a lover or attract listeners to buy your music.
• Creating a Youtube script for your vlogs
• Writing a book to promote your personal brand

Do you see how Creative Writing is everywhere?   Here are some of the many benefits of learning creative writing:

• Enhances your written communication skills for improved confidence and self-expression 
• Sharpens your critical thinking and reasoning skills
• Increases your chances of career success because many job positions require creative written work, especially in marketing and customer service
• Deepens your empathy because Creative Writing requires you to think from another person’s shoes
• Expressive writing, especially about painful life events, is a therapeutic tool. That’s why therapists encourage patients to write in their journals daily. 
• Strengthens your imagination and encourages you to think outside the box, which improves your problem-solving skills

Creative Writing is an essential skill you must learn to thrive in the hyper-information age we live in today.

Is There an A-Level for Creative Writing?

There isn’t an official A-Level for Creative Writing as there is for Maths or Chemistry. But there is an A-Level for: 

• English Language
• English Language and Literature
• English Literature

Are you looking for an A-Level for Creative Writing because you want to get a feel of what Creative Writing study is like in a school setting? Do you want to experience Creative Writing at the university level before studying it in higher education? Consider taking the Immerse Education Creative Writing summer course for 13-18 years old at the University of Cambridge, Oxford, or Sydney. 

You’ll gain 1:1 personalised tutorials from expert Creative Writing tutors from Oxford and Cambridge. So you can make well-informed decisions for your next steps in education.

Is Creative Writing an English Major? 

Yes, Creative Writing can be an English Major. You’ll often encounter it as “English Literature with Creative Writing BA” or “BA English and Creative Writing.” Top schools that offer such Creative Writing degrees include:

• English Literature with Creative Writing – University of Leeds , University of Warwick , Newcastle University , University of East Anglia UEA
• English and Creative Writing – University of Strathclyde , University of Birmingham , Royal Holloway University of London , Lancaster University , University of Nottingham  

But some universities offer Creative Writing as a standalone BA course, such as the University of Plymouth .

What Creative Writing Degrees Can You Study?

We’ve previously mentioned these undergraduate Creative Writing degrees:

• English Literature with Creative Writing
• English and Creative Writing
• Creative Writing

Others include:

• American Literature with Creative Writing – University of East Anglia UEA
• Journalism and Creative Writing – Falmouth University , University of Leicester , University of Lincoln , 
• Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance – University of York

What A-Levels Do You Need To Apply For a Creative Writing Degree?

To determine what A-Levels you need to apply for a Creative Writing degree, let’s take a look at the entry requirements of the Top Universities for Creative Writing : 

• University of Strathclyde English and Creative Writing – ABB-BBB, with English Language or English Literature at B
• University of Birmingham English and Creative Writing – AAB with B for English Literature
• University of Leeds English Literature with Creative Writing –  AAA with English Language, or English Literature, or English Language and Literature
• University of Warwick English Literature with Creative Writing – AAA or A*AB, with A in English Literature or English Language and Literature
• Newcastle University English Literature with Creative Writing – AAB, with English Language or English Literature

Based on what the top UK Universities for Creative Writing require, English Language or English Language and Literature are common requirements. What should you take for the remaining two subjects? Anything from science/maths and arts. Taking a wide range of A-Level subjects is most preferred by a majority of schools and by a vast range of courses. It’s best to keep your options open!

What Topics Does a Creative Writing Degree Cover?

The usual topics a Creative Writing degree covers include:

• Creative Writing foundation
• English studies
• Mediaeval and Early Modern literature
• Contemporary cultures
• Modern fiction
• Poetry writing
• Prose writing
• Drama and Media Writing
• Drama, Theatre, and Performance

Creative Writing with English Literature often involves reading literature in various styles and eras, from the middle ages to modern times. 

How Will You be Assessed?

The specifics of assessments differ from one university to another. But here are the common ways Creative Writing students are assessed:

• Written work, including essays, poetry, plays, fiction, and short fiction
• Oral presentation
• Individual and group presentations
• Formal exam
• Research project
• Assignments

How To Do Creative Writing

Do you want to start your Creative Writing journey but are unsure how? We know exactly what you’re looking for. Here are 4 practical tips to help you get started:

1. Read, read, and read some more!

There’s a reason why English and Creative Writing courses require you to read tons of material. How else will you learn how to write if you do not have the inspiration to draw from? Reading gives you a wellspring of ideas. It serves as the fuel for your imagination and creativity. 

When you read something that captivates you, take note of it. Dissect it! What words and sentences made the most impact on you? What are the very first words of the text? How did it catch your attention? Study each chapter and examine how it begins and ends. What strategies did the author use to make you want to read the next chapter? 

Do you see where we’re going? You don’t have to develop a new and untried formula when doing Creative Writing. All you need to do is choose a formula that has worked throughout the centuries, tweak it according to your intention and audience, and double down on making each sentence valuable and imaginative. 

Let’s look at storytelling, for instance. Take Romeo and Juliet. Is forbidden love a new concept? Nope. Forbidden love has been a repeated theme throughout human history. But it’s the way Shakespeare crafted the characters that captured the readers’ hearts and made them feel the intense tragedy of the star-crossed lovers. 

So when you read, remember to gather notes and inspiration. And when you feel like there’s zero creativity going on, look at the writings you’ve included in your collection. You’d be surprised at how it can revive your imagination! 

2. Never Stop Writing

The classic adage “practice makes perfect” especially rings true in Creative Writing. Do you know expert writers have a habit of daily writing? They may use Creative Writing prompts and exercises to practice turning thoughts into the right words. 

Do you dream of having the ability to write in a smooth flow? Start by doing the 10-minute free-flow writing. It’s called “free-flow” because the rule is to write everything that comes to mind immediately.

It doesn’t have to make sense. And for 10 minutes, you can throw the spelling and grammar rules out the window. The goal is to remove the fear of the blank page by writing without self-judgment. Try out our creative writing prompts if you’re lacking creativity – there are over 300 of them!

You’ll be more comfortable writing when you practice this simple exercise daily. Once you reach a certain level of comfortability, begin recording random ideas that pop into your head. Maybe you had thought of writing a mystery story in a World War II setting. Perhaps you witnessed an exceptionally breathtaking sunset that inspired you to write a poem. 

It doesn’t matter if you think it’s a bad idea. Put it in your writing journal! Who knows? You might come back to it later, and it’ll become one of the most remarkable pieces of writing you’ll have the pleasure of creating.

3. Try Out Writing Courses

What better way to hit the ground running than to learn from experts who’ve been where you want to be? There are many Creative Writing courses you can try. 

Check out our creative writing summer courses . You’ll have world-class tutors from prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge who are eager to share their expertise with you. 

Why is it an excellent idea to take courses? Because it’ll accelerate your learning process and boost your confidence.

4. Join Writing Communities

There’s nothing like having a group of like-minded people enthusiastic about Creative Writing as much as you are, and even more so! When you join Creative Writing communities, you’ll have the opportunity to hear other peoples’ writing stories and strategies.

In addition, you can share your struggles to receive the support you need to keep going! Some even go as far as reading each other’s works and giving constructive feedback.

What Are the Postgraduate Opportunities For Creative Writing?

Here are the common postgraduate opportunities available for Creative Writing:

• MA in Creative Writing
• MA Screenwriting
• PhD in Creative Writing

Not interested in postgraduate education? Learn about creative writing career choices that have high paying salaries.

What Are Similar Subjects to Creative Writing?

Similar subjects to Creative Writing include:

If you’re pursuing a career in creative writing, it’s important to take the right A-Levels. English Language and English Literature a-level are two of the most common subjects for aspiring writers, but other options are also available.

Creative Writing courses can be found in several prestigious universities, so it’s important to have a strong foundation in your chosen subject. Taking the right A-Levels will set you up for success in your future writing career.

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The rules, prizes, and deadlines vary, so check out the website for more info.

4.  American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

If you’re looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC.

Students fill out a registration form online, and a teacher or sponsor is required. The deadline to enter is the first week of April.

5.  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to write about a political official’s act of political courage that occurred after Kennedy’s birth in 1917. The winner receives $10,000, and 16 runners-up also receive a variety of cash prizes.

Students may submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay through January 12. The essay must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography.

6. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College offers competitions in three categories: poetry (a group of three poems), fiction (a short story or one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or academic essay). First-place winners receive $500. Grab a poster for your classroom here .

The contest runs from September 1 to November 1. The website links to a student registration form.

7. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest

Looking for student writing contests for budding playwrights? This exclusive competition, which is open only to high school juniors, is judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Students submit short plays in an effort to win recognition and cash prizes of up to $500. ( Note: Only open to 11th graders. )

Students submit one 10-page play script online or by mail. The deadline is the end of March. Contest details will be published in early 2024.

8. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in 11th grade. Prizes range from $100 to $500.

Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall.

9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work. They’ve even made a classroom poster !

Submissions need to be made electronically by November 1.

10.  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The deadline for this contest is the end of October. Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest awards prizes for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. Prizes include cash and scholarships. Winners are chosen by students and faculty members in the creative writing program at Hollins.

Students may submit either one or two poems using the online form.

11.  The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and the winner receives a full scholarship to a  Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop .

Submissions for the prize are accepted electronically from November 1 through November 30.

12. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

High school students can win up to $1,000 and publication by entering an essay on a topic specified by the Jane Austen Society related to a Jane Austen novel.

Details for the 2024 contest will be announced in November. Essay length is from six to eight pages, not including works cited.

13. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open to students from 15 to 18 years old who are interested in publication and exposure over monetary awards.

Teachers may choose five students for whom to submit up to four poems each on their behalf. The deadline is November 15.

14. The Black River Chapbook Competition

This is a chance for new and emerging writers to gain publication in their own professionally published chapbook, as well as $500 and free copies of the book.

There is an $18 entry fee, and submissions are made online.

15. YouthPlays New Voices

For students under 18, the YouthPlays one-act competition is designed for young writers to create new works for the stage. Winners receive cash awards and publication.

Scroll all the way down their web page for information on the contest, which accepts non-musical plays between 10 and 40 minutes long, submitted electronically. Entries open each year in January.

16. The Ocean Awareness Contest

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, Tell Your Climate Story , encourages students to write their own unique climate story. They are asking for creative expressions of students’ personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about climate change. Students are eligible for a wide range of monetary prizes up to $1,000.

Students from 11 to 18 years old may submit work in the categories of art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, interactive media and multimedia, or music and dance, accompanied by a reflection. The deadline is June 13.

17. EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest

Each year, EngineerGirl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world, and students can win up to $500 in prize money. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum. The new contest asks for pieces describing the life cycle of an everyday object. Check out these tips for integrating the content into your classroom .

Students submit their work electronically by February 1. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here .

18. NCTE Student Writing Awards

The National Council of Teachers of English offers several student writing awards, including Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th- and 11th-grade students), Promising Young Writers (for 8th-grade students), and an award to recognize Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines.

Deadlines range from October 28 to February 15. Check out NCTE.org for more details.

19. See Us, Support Us Art Contest

Children of incarcerated parents can submit artwork, poetry, photos, videos, and more. Submissions are free and the website has a great collection of past winners.

Students can submit their entries via social media or email by October 25.

20. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose

The Adroit Journal, an education-minded nonprofit publication, awards annual prizes for poetry and prose to exceptional high school and college students. Adroit charges an entry fee but also provides a form for financial assistance.

Sign up at the website for updates for the next round of submissions.

21. National PTA Reflections Awards

The National PTA offers a variety of awards, including one for literature, in their annual Reflections Contest. Students of all ages can submit entries on the specified topic to their local PTA Reflections program. From there, winners move to the local area, state, and national levels. National-level awards include an $800 prize and a trip to the National PTA Convention.

This program requires submitting to PTAs who participate in the program. Check your school’s PTA for their deadlines.

22. World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as those in home-study programs. The $500 prize is based on an essay that addresses one of this year’s two prompts.

Students can submit entries via email or regular mail before May 1.

23. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing.

Apply online by October 31.

Whether you let your students blog, start a podcast or video channel, or enter student writing contests, giving them an authentic audience for their work is always a powerful classroom choice.

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Plus, check out our favorite anchor charts for teaching writing..

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